As guardians, one of the most important decisions we will make is where to send our kids to study. As much as some people deny it, our choice will determine if they will be on a path of continuous learning and success. If we choose incorrectly, our kids may lose their natural propensity for learning and lead to something worrying.
Primary schools in Singapore like the One World International School assure parents that their kids are getting the best education by formulating a values-based model, accompanying their holistic education philosophy. The goal is to provide kids with the avenue to encourage their natural curiosity through collaborative projects and practical application of lessons.
Other schools may have their own programs designed to do the same thing. However, apart from their curriculum, there are other ways to check if a school is a proper fit for our kids.
Engaging teachers
Especially if your kids are in primary school, it is very important that you choose a school where teachers are hands-on. Remember that your kids are coming from a home where they are given their much needed attention both from the adults and their siblings.
When you come to a school tour, observe how a teacher conducts their class. How attentive they are of the progress of each student, and the many ways they help each one progress.
If it’s allowed, you can also interview the teachers and listen to how they describe each students’ strengths and weaknesses, and how they assist the students academically and emotionally.
Extensive library offers
During their formative years, it is important that kids are surrounded with reading instruments. This is the age when kids are learning how to read and developing their language. See if the teacher sets aside time to read a book, regardless if it’s their lesson book or storybook.
Early Maths discussions
Maths should be taught early. The reason some kids are scared of Maths is because they were not introduced the basic concepts earlier, when much of it can applied to games. As adults, we think that kids will not be able to understand abstract lessons at a young age so we reserve it for when they’re 6 or 7 years old.
A good school will be able to teach these lessons to kids in their primary age. They must teach simple arithmetic and comparing numbers (greater than or less than). At the same time, parents must not express their negative feelings about Maths because it might reinforce their own negative thoughts about the subject.
Passing rate is not all it’s cracked out to be
The reason why you shouldn’t rely on passing rates on standardised tests is because the school may not be teaching to encourage learning, but so that students can pass the exams. This is dangerous because forcing lessons on students just so they can pass means they’ll forget what they’ve learned soon.
On the other hand, teaching students to encourage learning means that they will be continuously seek new things to learn as they grow old. So find a school that doesn’t rely on their passing rate, instead focuses on delivering top-notch classroom discussions.
Must have good facilities for play
Play is as important as learning. Our kids need not be stressed out with school all the time. Not only will they associate school with negativity, but it is also detrimental to their health.
See if the school has safe playground facilities, maybe a field they can play in; as well as a clean canteen with an extensive menu.
At face value, these seem commonsensical. But you’d be surprised to see parents who are more concerned with numbers: number of students, number of above average students, and so on. They tend to neglect the most important parts of learning which is reinforcing their curiosity through positive means and assisting them so they can reach their potential.